Hi Sky! Welcome to planDisney.
Thank you for coming to us with your question. Here at planDisney, we are a diverse group of people who have one thing in common: we love the Disney Parks and experiences, and we love the magic we feel when we're visiting with our loved ones.
As a mom to a boy who wears dresses, nail polish, and loves princesses AND superheroes, I have had tears in my eyes more than once at the way Cast Members have accepted and embraced him. When he visited Queen Elsa while wearing his dress, she complimented him on how beautiful he looked and taught him to make ice magic. When he was trying to select a princess doll at a merchandise location, a Cast Member spent time talking intently with him about princesses and nail polish and made him feel a true sense of belonging. He still talks about that Cast Member who was just like him.
My son identifies as male and uses he/him pronouns, so his experiences are not the same as those who are non-binary or LGBTQ+, but I wanted to share his story in case it's helpful as you determine your own comfort level and feeling of belonging at the Disneyland Resort.
I also want to make sure you've seen
this recent Disney Parks Blog story about the newest "key" (essentially, the foundational beliefs of Guest Services) in the Disney Parks: inclusion. This commitment to a sense of belonging for Cast Members and Guests alike means that Cast Members are encouraged to express their identities in more meaningful ways, which is a positive change. This kind of representation matters; I recently saw a wonderful video on Twitter of a gender-fluid child and Disneyland Cast Member having a lovely moment of connection over a shared aspect of their identities.
Sky, I want to be sure that you know that there is gendered language in the theme parks. You may hear announcements addressing "ladies and gentlemen," hear Cast Members addressing young girls as "Princess," and see gendered restrooms. You should be able to use the
Disneyland mobile app to find
Companion Restrooms if you are more comfortable there; these are single-use restrooms that can be used by people of any gender identity.
Cast Members are the heart and soul of the Disney theme parks, and it's always been my experience that Cast Members truly want you to feel at "home" in the parks. Please know that you are welcome to connect with Cast Members at attractions, food locations,
Guest Relations, or anywhere you encounter them to ask questions, inquire about things you may need, and give feedback. I'm not sure if you have been to California, but it is one of the more progressive states in the United States of America, and you will hopefully find it to be a welcoming and inclusive place for you.
I hope this helps answer your questions, Sky, and if you have more questions, I hope you'll come back and see us again. As Walt Disney once said of Disneyland, "to all who come to this happy place, welcome" - and I do believe the Cast Members of Disneyland Resort emphasize the "all" in that historic statement. May you have a magical time in The Happiest Place on Earth.
Wishing you a great big beautiful tomorrow,
Robyn